The relative expression of <i>collagen II</i> mRNA in different groups was determined by RT-qPCR.

<p>The data are shown as the mean ±S.D. The raw <i>collagen II</i> mRNA expression data for each group were calibrated to the <i>B2M</i> reference gene, and the relative expression level of <i>collagen II</i> was represented as 2^−△CT. a, b, c and d show the relative expression of <i>collagen II</i> mRNA in each cultured chondrocyte group compared with p<0.05; e, f, g and h show the relative expression of <i>collagen II</i> mRNA in cartilage tissue from rabbit knees compared with p<0.05.